As hurricane season quickly approaches it is good to be aware of your insurance options. A Hurricane Guarantee Policy is a type of insurance offered to travellers by some hotels and airlines.

Hurricane-proof Your Next Trip

What is a Hurricane Guarantee Policy?

A Hurricane Guarantee Policy is a type of insurance many tour operators, hoteliers and some airlines offer travellers. It gives travellers the ability to get a refund, change dates, or get credit for future travel if a hurricane forces their trip to be cancelled or interrupted. Just like any type of insurance policy it is imperative that you read and understand the fine print. In almost all cases heavy rains and tropical storms will not allow you to invoke your hurricane guarantee.

TIP: Get your hurricane guarantee in writing.

Doesn't travel insurance protect me during hurricane season?

Many travel insurance policies will cover a trip disrupted because of a hurricane, but only when you are forced to arrive late or leave early. Keep in mind you'll likely only be reimbursed for the affected days until the airport or hotel reopens. Be sure to read the fine print on your policy to make sure you are actually covered.

Secondly, remember that you'll usually only be covered if you buy your insurance at the same time you book the trip or before any kind of hurricane watch or warning is issued; otherwise, the hurricane might be deemed a pre-existing condition, which means no compensation will be given. If your flight is still operating and allowing passengers to fly to the destination, you'll usually be expected to leave for your trip, even if a hurricane threatens.

I must take this trip, how should I prepare?

Understand your risks and learn about hurricanes; the terminology and what the watches and warnings mean. Your UNIGLOBE Expert has put together a ‘cheat sheet’ for you to print out and take with you . View “What are Hurricanes?”. Some great sites for tracking hurricanes are: www.Weather.com, www.Hurricanetrack.com, and www.Accuweather.com.

Read and print out your hotel’s evacuation plan. Designate one person as your point of contact should a hurricane affect your trip. This makes updating loved ones back home quick and easy. You can let one person know and they can spread the word that you are ok.

Part of being prepared is knowing about hurricanes. By understanding the terminology you make the best informed decision possible. Read "What Are Hurricanes" and print out to take with you on while you travel during hurricane season.

It is not a fun experience to be stuck in a hurricane no matter where you are. But when you are away from home, in an unfamiliar area it can be that much more chaotic. The best thing you can do is be as prepared as possible. Read More.